Cable disruption knocks out phone service in Au Gres, Omer

Tim Barnum

A crew works to replace a phone line that was cut Dec. 13, causing a service interruption in Omer and Au Gres.

12/13/13

ARENAC COUNTY — Phone service was disrupted around 1:55 p.m. on Dec. 13 in the Omer and Au Gres areas due to a phone line being cut between the two cities, according to Arenac County Emergency Management Coordinator Ed Rohn.

Rohn said he did not have all the details on the incident, but thinks the phone line was cut by mistake.

“I believe a utility company was doing some work in the area and accidentally cut a line,” he said.

Rohn said the line that was cut is near the intersection of Lentner Road and US-23. He said he has gotten reports about the extent of the service disruption.

“All phone service is down for the Omer exchange at this time. I’m aware of that,” he said. “And also, I believe the long distance calls and the 911 calls from the Omer exchange and the Au Gres area are not working due to the cut in the line being between the two.”

According to Rohn, the telephone service provider for that area, CenturyLink, has been made informed of the service issue.

“I’ve been advised that CenturyLink is the phone service provider in that area, and is aware of it and working on the problem,” he said.

Rohn said CenturyLink also provided DSL internet service, which is also not working.

Customers who are affected by the disruption may have to wait a few days for the service to be returned, as Rohn said he has heard restoration may not be complete until Monday.

Rohn said cell phone service was not affected.

A press release from Arenac County Central Dispatch said anyone in the affected areas who needs emergency services should go the Omer Fire Department of Au Gres-Sims-Whitney Fire Department for assistance.

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